Thieves accidentally steal radioactive material in Mexico

Mexican authorities have asked for help in locating a toolbox containing radioactive material, which was stolen by thieves unlikely to be aware of its contents.

Thieves reportedly snatched various items (including the toolbox) from the back of a truck in a residential parking lot in Cardenas late at night.

Luis Felipe Puente, the national civil protection coordinator, says there have been 3 other such thefts since 2013 and that the material was recovered in each instance.

Iridium-192 is reportedly contained in the toolbox, which has the tri-foil radiation symbol printed in red on a yellow plate with the warning: “caution radioactive material”.

The substance is said to be used for radiography and to check welding seams.

Although authorities say the man-made element can cause radiation sickness and permanent injuries if is exposed for minutes or hours, special tools are required to release the substance and there is no danger provided the box remains unopened.